Sober
and Safe

I
am writing this essay to share the most challenging experience of my
life in the last 10 years and the relationship that has with the
importance of drivers ed in reducing the number of deaths as a
result of driving. As of March 17th 2019, I am celebrating my 9th
year of continuous sobriety. I have, through countless reflections of
self alongside a 12 Step Program, gained a new excitement for life,
an understanding of my powerlessness and the ability to love myself
as I am. In the height of my addiction, I felt as if every day was a
continuous struggle of insanity, self centeredness and pain. I say
this not for sympathy, but as a reflection of the risks that active
addiction create.


I
have seen countless individuals get into a car after using and never
be seen again. I have witnessed victims of drivers who are uneducated
on the dangers of driving in certain conditions. Only with unifying
support towards increasing education for our communities can we
implement and strengthen the importance of being a safe and educated
driver. “The total number of Americans who die within the span of
two years as a result of driving is more than the total number of
American deaths from the Vietnam war.” This fact is only
personified by the amount of drivers that drive while under the
influence of drugs or alcohol. These “highlights” emphasize the
serious and deadly consequences that addiction contributes to drivers
and pedestrians everywhere.


I
was lucky enough almost eight years ago, to stumble into the rooms of
Alcoholics Anonymous, and for the first time in years feel love and
acceptance. I was given the opportunity to connect with other people,
to relate my experience and to share in each others strengths. I was
shown, time and time again, that by practicing honesty, forgiveness
and acceptance, that any problem could be overcome. I now not only
practice these very basic principles, but do my best to provide a
safe and service driven life to help others. Steps similar to these
can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving and
improve overall road safety. By increasing availability for traffic
schools, providing more safe driving services and more overall
community wide educational practices about the risks of dangerous
driving habits, we can reduce the number of driving related deaths
each year.


I
am motivated today through my experience in addiction, and
maintaining sobriety to continue this path. I have spent the last 9
years pushing myself to utilize my strengths, rather than focusing on
my defects. I am currently enrolled in the PCC EMT Program and am
applying to become a Licensed Social Worker in order to aid in the
education of communities suffering from these issues. I want to
further my education, and combine the skills of both of these amazing
programs to provide aid to those who need it. I have learned I am
worth it.